In need of some pre-Ramadan pampering, Bushra Hakim unwinds at The Diplomat Spa.
With Ramadan starting, I wanted to give my body a little care, and a spa day felt perfect, which led me to The Diplomat Spa at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa. Walking in, I was welcomed by Tamar Badzagua, the Spa and Recreation Manager, whose friendly and welcoming demeanour made me feel instantly at home. She gave me a tour of the property, which I hadn’t expected to be quite as spacious as it was. Behind its unassuming exterior, The Diplomat Spa unfolds into an expansive 1,100sq/m sanctuary, with long corridors leading to multiple treatment rooms, a couples’ suite, an indoor pool and a tranquil relaxation area complete with a gentle fountain that enhances the atmosphere of calm.
Before my treatment, I was handed a form to fill out, noting my preferences and any areas that needed attention. Alongside this, I was served a refreshing welcome drink infused with slices of orange and an aroma face towel, with jasmine essence – small yet thoughtful touches that set the tone for the experience. With the formalities out of the way, I met my therapist for the day, the lovely Yeni, who took me through the Blu Fusion package – a signature treatment combining a full-body scrub, an authentic Balinese massage and an express facial.
Yeni led me upstairs to my room, aptly named Iris, after the flower. Each treatment room follows the same theme, with names inspired by flowers. After getting changed, I settled onto the bed, ready to begin my pampering session. The experience started with a full-body scrub using Frella’s Coffee & Chocolate Scrub. Frella is an award-winning Sri Lankan brand known for its handmade skincare products crafted by certified herbalists. The scrub smelled divine, its rich aroma of coffee and chocolate was a sensory delight. Having sensitive skin, I often find scrubs to be a bit abrasive, but this one was gentle yet nourishing. Yeni applied it in circular motions, starting from my feet and working her way upwards, effectively buffing away dead skin cells and revealing smoother, softer skin. The texture was slightly sticky, but she ensured that the process was serene and comfortable. Once the scrub had worked its magic, she wiped my feet with a warm towel before guiding me to the in-room shower, which was fitted with invigorating jets, making the cleansing process even more refreshing.
With my skin feeling supple and refreshed, it was time for the highlight of the treatment – the Balinese massage. Having never experienced it before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I quickly realised this was something special. Yeni, a native of Bali, executed the therapy with incredible precision and care. She began with a dry massage, focusing on my feet and gradually working upwards, stretching my body and loosening any tension. This was followed by acupressure techniques, something new to me but incredibly effective in releasing built-up stress. Once my body was fully prepped, she applied Frella’s heavenly smelling Rose Geranium Oil, which is known for its stress and anxiety-reducing properties. The massage lasted a full hour and, by the end, I was in a state of utter relaxation, wondering why time had to fly so quickly.
To conclude the experience, I was treated to an express facial using Phytomer products, a French brand popularly used in skincare and known for its marine-inspired formulas. The process began with a gentle cleansing milk to remove any impurities, followed by a mild exfoliator to slough away dead skin and blackheads. A cooling toner was then applied to soothe the freshly exfoliated skin before a brightening mask was carefully spread across my face. As the mask set, Yeni treated me to a blissful head massage – a completely unexpected but highly appreciated addition. The pressure was perfect, and each movement seemed to dissolve any lingering stress. Once the mask was removed, she applied another round of toner, followed by a hydrating moisturiser, and finished off with a smoothing lip and eye cream. My skin felt fresh, plump and radiant – exactly what I needed.
With everything complete, Yeni advised me to take my time before getting dressed and heading downstairs to the relaxation area. There, I was presented with a selection of teas, and I opted for chamomile to further prolong the serene state I was in. Sitting in the peaceful lounge, sipping on my tea and listening to the soothing trickle of the fountain, I felt a deep sense of tranquillity. The entire experience at The Diplomat Spa had been nothing short of exceptional, from the thoughtful amenities to the expertise of the therapists. It was the perfect way to reset both body and mind, and I left feeling completely rejuvenated, ready to take on the month ahead with a renewed sense of well-being.
For more information or to make a booking, please call
The Diplomat Spa at The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa
on 1752 5237 and 3990 2629 or email diplomat.spa@radissonblu.com
@diplomatradissonblu